In this episode of The Emblazers: B2B Leaders Igniting Revenue, host Tim Riesterer talks with Michael Colonnese, CEO of SV Academy, recently named the #2 Most Innovative Education Program by Fast Company.

SV Academy is flipping the traditional hiring model on its head—training and placing diverse, pre-vetted sales and customer success talent into roles at 400+ partner companies, all with no fees to employers.

Michael explains how SV Academy’s “residency model” eliminates tuition, pays learners to learn, and produces graduates who ramp 30 percent faster and double retention rates compared to traditional hires. He and Tim also discuss the broader implications for higher education, the rise of the “go-to-market engineer,” and how AI is reshaping both entry-level roles and the skills sellers need to thrive.

Tune in to learn:

• Why the first 90 days of a sales career are the most volatile—and how to fix it

• How SV Academy built a business model that eliminates tuition and student debt

• What makes the “residency model” a game-changer for employers and learners alike

• How AI is evolving sales roles and creating new opportunities like “go-to-market engineering”

• Why colleges and employers need to bridge the gap between education and outcomes

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Abby Kerr

• Connect with Tim Riesterer

• Connect with Michael Colonnese

• Subscribe to The Emblazers for more episodes with top thought leaders

• Check out the Emblaze revenue community and start your membership today